Plenty of hard work over recent years by the Maitland District Motorcycle Club has been rewarded with the club membership almost doubling from 314 to 617 over the past three years and 2021 is looming as another record year.

It's a formula which made becoming naming rights and major sponsor a "no brainer" for Hunter Valley Motorsports owner Angus Reekie, a former multiple Australian champion in road bike categories.

"Motorsports has always been a passion and obviously being local to the club it was a no-brainer as a motorcycle shop to get on board with the club as much as we possibly can," Reekie said.

"Covid has actually worked out really well for us this year in terms of business. We are absolutely booming - the last four months have been record months.

"At the start of Covid we thought 'What are we going to do? We are going to have to change our business model to suit'.

"There was two weeks of a bit of lull and then it was just gangbusters and it hasn't stopped since.

"We're actually running out of motorcycles to sell. They can't supply them to us quick enough.

"It's crazy, it's a great time to be in a motorcycle dealership at the moment."

Reekie believes the surge in sales had probably been stimulated by the combination of families looking to find something they could do together under Covid-restrictions and having money available which would previously have gone on a holiday.

"We're seeing a lot of families living for today and getting out on the weekends riding together," he said.

"People are not spending money on holidays in Australia or overseas so it is available to spend on alternative activities.

"There have been limited social gathering events so the kids are bored at home ... why not go out and get a motorbike.

"It's great for the kids' health, it gives them something to do and it's extremely fun. I think it has snowballed as more and more people realise.

Reekie and the Maitland District Motorcycle Club are hopeful that those new entries into the sport will find their way to the club's Rutherford headquarters.

As part of the sponsorship HVM supplies two four-wheel drive vehicles called Mules to help with race-day organisation including paramedics.

The 2021 season kicks off in February/March and the club has been in talks with Motorcycle Australia who run the national motocross series about the possibility of Maitland hosting a double-header, but it is still up in the air because of Covid.

The club will continue to focus on club open days with the focus on the kids, and after experience on the national stage Reekie knows that Hunter riders and events across the spectrum of motorsports are at the top of the tree.

"The Hunter caters so well for motorsports and it is why it has produced so many champions in all categories," Reekie said.

"I was born and raised south of Sydney and been in the motorcycle industry for ever essentially.

"Even as a junior I remember all the top riders coming from the greater Hunter region. That's because it is a massive motor sport capital in Australia, from road bike racing, to dirt track to motocross and even go-kart racing.

"It's definitely a motorsports hub and having the business in the area I am always blown away by the number of people who actually ride leisurely."

Reekie said after years of racing his involvement in the Maitland Motorcycle Club had opened his eyes to the dedication and hard work of those involved.

"Everyone here is super helpful to deal with, everyone here has a passion for motorcycles and that's what brings everyone together," he said.

"The whole committee puts in countless hours upon hours that most racers never get to see.

"Being involved with the club and seeing only a small part of what goes on behind the scenes really has opened my eyes.

"People don't realise all these guys are volunteers, they are not paid to do it.

"For me personally it gives me a whole different appreciation of what goes into running a motorcycle club all for the kids.

"Great facility, close to town, you've got perfect dirt and it's always prepared really, really well. They cater for little kids right up to senior racers.

"Every box is ticked as far as I'm concerned with this club."